"I wish to be abundantly clear about my position on the Southern Area K-8 school. I stand with PGCPS, as well as the school community of parents, students, teachers and administration in full support of constructing a new school that will relieve overcrowding and offer an innovative and inspiring space for young minds to be free to explore, play, learn, and be ready for the next phase of their educational journey.
I have however, always been a very vocal proponent of RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT and transparency that considers the impact of new development to the entire community. In this regard, I am fully aligned with a smart development process that is first and foremost, protective of our community as a whole.
Flooding in South County is a historical and resource-draining scourge throughout District 8. My concerns with this project have always been directed at the flooding impact on the residents who live in closest proximity to the school on Swan Creek Road, as well as the potential for increased flooding in surrounding neighborhoods. Ensuring the project planners are giving EVERY consideration to environmental, traffic, and flood mitigation strategies and solutions through engagement with the community, independent third-parties, and an objective analysis of the school’s master plan and proposed stormwater management plan, is paramount.
My firm position on flooding is not taken lightly or without first-hand account of the devastation deteriorated stormwater infrastructure has caused. Here are two videos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VEi63ZN8SQ, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Ro2rkgvPiV379wY0p_mxeT2x_lCVFSk/view) showing rapids-like flooding at homes located in close proximity to the school’s site on Swan Creek. I have come to know these families personally, along with many others who are experiencing similar flooding, and I’ll admit it’s very hard to be excited about a new school when there are families who are dreading the effects of this new flooding threat.
Understandably, District 8 residents who have been devastated by flooding caused by expansive areas of impervious surfaces and the reduction of tree canopy, are most desirous of suspending construction allowing for public discussion, additional studies and corrective action of the deteriorated storm water infrastructure, environmental impacts, and current traffic conditions. If you are not familiar with the term "impervious surface," this project is a perfect example. As neighborhoods grow and more development occurs, the natural landscape is replaced by roads, buildings, housing developments, and parking lots. This school proposes to develop over 174 acres removing roughly 70-80% of natural forestation and replacing it with impervious building surfaces and paving.
A comprehensive study and corrective action must be done well before any trees are removed and any construction begins and not after ground is broken. Allowing this due process that is inclusive of community input, may lead to more suitable planning decisions. It cannot be emphasized enough that deforesting this site will certainly exacerbate current severe home damage due to frequent flooding on Swan Creek Road.
Weighing the building of a much-needed school in South County against the potential destruction and further devaluing of property as a result of flooding and increased traffic is a critical issue as we move forward. If corrective measures are taken in advance of the construction, then these major issues may not exist and we can all benefit from a gold standard school that everyone can enjoy and be proud of for decades to come."
Council Member Anderson-Walker's contact information: 301-952-3860, MAABourne@co.pg.md.us
County Administration Officials involved in flooding and drainage issues:
- Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T): Director Terry L. Bellamy, Director, 301-883-5600, tlbellamy@co.pg.md.us
- Department of Environment (DoE): Acting Director Michelle W. Russell, 301-883-5810, mrussell@co.pg.md.us
- Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE): Melinda M. Bolling, 301-636-2000, mmbolling@co.pg.md.us